The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Sylhet

The Council of Advisers on Monday approved in principle the Bangladesh Economic Zone Ordinance-2008.

The approval was given at a meeting of the Council of Advisers held at local circuit house with Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed in the chair.

It was the third meeting of the Council of Advisers held outside Dhaka.

The meeting also approved the EPZ Workers' Association and Industrial Relation (Amendment) Ordinance 2008.

Besides, the Council, after holding a threadbare discussion on the development of Sylhet division, announced a 12-point package programme aiming at ensuring overall development in the Sylhet region.

Under the package, a special economic zone and a labour court would be set up in Sylhet for economic development and expansion and modernization of tea industries in the division.

On the other hand, Sylhet Development Authority and a special committee/cell would be formed under the package programme for coordinating development activities in the haor areas.

The other progammes of the package are- taking steps for flourishing tourism industry in the Sylhet region, building up coordinated network at district and divisional levels with the upazilas dominated by expatriate Bangladeshis, taking special measurers for expansion of education including women education, taking measures for development of communication network and solving electricity problems, ensuring food safety by cultivating barren lands in Sylhet, setting up shooting academy at Sylhet Rifles Club and establishing re-fueling station at the Sylhet M A G Osmani Airport.

Advisers and special assistants to the Chief Adviser attended the meeting. The Cabinet Secretary, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser and secretaries concerned were present.